Edmonton City Council Approves “Mature Neighbourhoods Bylaw”

New Duplex in Allendale

In an attempt to slow urban sprawl, Edmonton City Council approved a new bylaw yesterday, that will allow the sub-division of 50 foot lots in some neighbourhods. Builders will also be able to build homes closer to the street, but not more than 1.5 meters in front of neighbouring homes.

“It’s a small step to look at finding ways to control urban sprawl,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “It’s a very small step. I think much more needs to be done. I understand the frustration that people have because it’s complicated, there’s always people having concerns, but this is a small step that is really almost mandated as a result of our municipal development plan.”

For the most part, community leagues wanted tighter restrictions and more time before a decision was made, and developers wanted fewer restrictions and more neighbourhoods on the list.

Many people shopping for homes in Edmonton dream of a newer home on a mature lot, but end up in the ‘burbs when they comparison shop. Those willing to consider a half duplex in an older neighbourhood will have much more to choose from in the near future with this new bylaw. Hopefully more families will choose older neighbourhoods so inner-city schools can stay open and relieve the pressure on over crowded schools in the ‘burbs.

The bylaw will only impact about 20% of lots in mature neighbourhoods – lots that are already zoned for multi-family. There isn’t much specific information out there yet (that I could find), but I did find a list of neighbourhoods deemed “mature” by the city here.

Here are some neighbourhoods where “infill” is already a popular option, and likely to become more so with the new bylaw (links will bring up active listings in each neighbourhood):

Sara MacLennan is the Director of Marketing at Liv Real Estate and a licensed Real Estate Associate. The bulk of Sara’s experience and wealth of expertise lies in on-line technology and marketing both for agents and consumers. Sara is the former National Director for Interactive Marketing for Coldwell Banker Canada where she was responsible for an extensive training program traveling to offices across the country training agents and brokers on marketing and technology. Find Sara on Twitter @edmontonblogger.

Sara MacLennan is the Director of Marketing at Liv Real Estate and a licensed Real Estate Associate. The bulk of Sara’s experience and wealth of expertise lies in on-line technology and marketing both for agents and consumers. Sara is the former National Director for Interactive Marketing for Coldwell Banker Canada where she was responsible for an extensive training program traveling to offices across the country training agents and brokers on marketing and technology. Find Sara on Twitter @edmontonblogger.

Comments 27

GM

wsn

I think all new constructions should have mandatory double attached garage to address the parking issue. Thus a single house lot should be at least 32′ wide (20′ garage + 4′ entry + 4′ x 2 side yards). Anything narrower than that is asking for trouble in the future. If you want to make it denser, reduce the depth of the lot, not the width.

wsn

Coun. Bryan Anderson said most of the people who presented to council and answered questions from councillors were against the changes
A number of people spoke on both sides of the issue late into the night Monday, forcing the issue back on the table Tuesday.
The Zoning Bylaw contains the rules and regulations for the development of land in Edmonton. For the purpose of land development, the City of Edmonton is divided into zones.

wsn

European cities typically have better public transit and fewer cars per capita, and thus not directly comparable.

I am OK with duplex/townhouse/apartment, but the back lane concept is just wrong. You know it’s wrong when you see many cars parked on the street at the front. If that’s where people actually park, garage should be there.

GM

I disagree. Having garages in front is a danger to small kids. Small kids only have one place to ride their bikes, and that is on the sidewalk. Having people backing out of their garages onto sidewalks is asking for trouble when you have kids around.

Garages were designed in the back along the alley for a reason, and this is the reason. They should remain there.

Besides that, there are countless morons who buy these big huge motorhomes without thinking about where they’re going to park them. So they end up parking them in their front driveway and the hitch sticks out, covering the sidewalk. Now nobody can walk on the sidewalk because of the stupid monstrosity.

GM

Most places have such a clause. The problem is when they park a motorhome on a front driveway that is not long enough to accommodate it. So they have to let it stick out across the sidewalk. I don’t know if they think nobody cares about that or if they just don’t give a damn. My guess is the latter.

And as for the no parking on the street clause, all they have to do is move the thing a bit after 35 hours and they can sit for another 36 hours.

Greg

CMD

Completely agree…we are way too obsessed about accommodating parking. There is MORE than enough room for people to park. So be it if the odd time a person has to walk 2 or 3 houses down to get to their spot.

A commong guy

I think a back lane and garage in the back yard is just a stupid idea that should be ditched all together. A drive through some of the new neighborhoods with such design drives me crazy! two rows of cars parked on both sides of the street (because the back lane is not passable with all the snow) and it only leaves enough room for one car to go through. And think about hauling your grocery/kids/stuff through snow in the yard…

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